Singapore has long been known as one of the best culinary cities in the world. Not only does it feature some of the best Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine in the world, in recent years, Singapore has begun to boast quiet a few acclaimed European dining spots as well.
Experts recommend that visitors to Singapore look around and try to experience some of the smaller ethnic restaurants. There are still quite of these around, although you may have to leave the Central Business District to find them.
Many of the city’s shopping malls boast quite a few affordable dining places. Most of these do specialize in Chinese or India cuisine but it in recent years quite a few Japanese and Korean chain restaurants have been opening as well.
The Hawker centers feature affordable ethnic cuisine and lots of local color and culture. These can be found within walking distance of most hotels and offices and offer a chance to try the local cuisine at a good price.
Singapore Cuisine
Not surprisingly Singapore Cuisine is known to be hot and very spicy. Many local delicacies contain seafood so those with allergies should be warned.
Some popular local dishes that visitors should definitely try include:
· Chili Crab – This is a crab that’s cooked in a thick tomato based gravy that contains lots of chili. It is often served with man tou or fried buns.
· Char Tway Teow – If you’re watching your weight or your cholesterol count you should avoid this one. It is wide and yellow noodles cooked in pork lard. Other ingredients include eggs, Chinese sausage, fish cakes, cockles and bean sprouts. Otherwise it sounds tasty and different.
· Bak Kut Teh – is a traditional Chinese soup that contains pork ribs cooked in five spices. It’s often served with fried dough and salted vegetables. This would make a good lunch.
· Hokkien Me – noodles cooked in prawn stock with bean sprouts, prawn, squid, eggs and spring onions. Experts recommend that you eat it with lots of lime.
· Hainanese Chicken Rice – a popular street food that can found all over the city. It originated on China’s Hainan Island but it’s now a Singapore staple. The standard dish consists of rice cooked in Chicken stock and mixed with garlic, ginger and scallions. It is often found in coffee shops and other cheaper eateries.